Aboneka Writes

Freedom-fighters is now a household name in Africa as many parts were liberated by a few individuals who took up arms to oppose the colonial rule and bad governance at the time. The major driver for the freedom fighters was to restore justice and peace against all odds. Many were welcomed as heroes and saviors for liberating their communities from oppression. What was clear is that the freedom fighters were self-nominated as no one appointed them to fight for the good for the community but rather believed they could cause a change on behalf of the people. It is important to note that our fore fathers were selfless men who stood against all tides for the sake of the community. They were servants. Recently, some freedom fighters suggested to their community that they are not servants and employees but freedom fighters who are fighting for their own beliefs. Without going to details of their beliefs, this act is selfish and doesn’t depict the character of freedom fighters I have kn...

Of recent, we have been faced with all sorts of issues ranging from allowances for medical interns, cars and special funeral facilitation for MPs to teachers spending months without salaries. This country boasts of the National Development Plan which outlines seven priority areas which include, among others agriculture, infrastructure, and human resource development. What is puzzling is that we seem to consider priorities according to the whims of those who hold higher offices, not in public interest. I am surprised that government does not have money for medical interns whereas billions sit unspent on accounts of some state institutions; that teachers go for two months without salary yet some individuals are debating on how to own cars worth Shs 500m and have a ‘death’ package of Shs 68m. We are in a country where it is okay to buy medals, pay transport refund and treat medalists to a sumptuous meal but not okay to clear the heavy water bills slapped on crucial public institutions...

There is a new wind sweeping across the political line, specifically in the line of the Members of Parliament. Since February 18th 2016, the courts have been busy handling petitions, of course courtesy of the Principal Judge’s directive to have these handled in the nearest 6 months. Several individuals took it to court to challenge their counterparts for various reasons ranging from the common voter bribery to the now white elephant-lack of the requisite academic qualifications. Many have fallen short of this and of the more than 15 MPs thrown out of Parliament by court, over 95% are guilty of lack of requisite academic qualifications. Article 80 of the our Constitution stipulates clearly the qualifications for a member of parliament in Uganda which among others include, that one must be a citizen of Uganda, registered voter and has completed a minimum Advanced level standard of education or its equivalent. These are the overbearing requisite requirements and unfortunately, the last...

For some time now, the beggars on Kampala streets have increased steadily and unabated. These range from children, mothers and other adults. There was an effort by the responsible authorities to deal with this situation but it looks like this was only temporary or responding to situations such as visiting Heads of Governments or Dignitaries. It is sad to see that when a diplomat is coming to Uganda, the relevant authorities swing into action and clear the streets! Surprisingly, after the return of the dignitaries, the situation normalizes and the relevant authorities do not care at all. Much as the situation on our streets may represent the state of inequality and living of Ugandans, the failure by the authorities to address the same is treasonous to public living. These beggars are increasing every day and are becoming a public nuisance especially those that claim they are and yet in actual sense they are thieves. The so called beggars have victimized both private and public prop...

Elections are an important component of governance in any country as they are the form in which people choose how to be governed. The people have the choice to choose the leaders they want and deem fit to offer leadership and as such, Universal adult suffrage exercised by any citizen above 18years by casting votes to choose their next leaders. Uganda has undergone various elections under the multiparty dispensation system and as such, election organizing should be getting better and better by the day. The last election was conducted in 2011 with President Museveni emerging winner with over 68.4% votes ahead of other candidates. The ruling Party NRM also increased its Legislative muscle by winning 263 in Parliament as against the opposition parties. Dr. Kiiza Besigye the runner up contested the results as being irregular but promised not to seek recourse to courts of law given the earlier dissatisfaction of court ruling on the elections of 2006 and 2001 in which results were uphel...

For some time now, since after elections, there have been mixed reactions from the public especially on the outcomes of the elections and the post election management processes especially by the state. We have had so many questions especially regarding the Electoral processes which was marred with several illegalities which most of them go root to undermining the right to vote by the citizens. Whereas the electoral Commission has made several few responses and whereas a presidential petition lays before the Supreme Court, we as Ugandans deserve honest conversations and answers to what is going on in this country. The continued siege of Dr. Kiiza Besigye's home, the various election violence incidents, the police raids in the various parts of the country among others continue to depict a hopeless state of society that we are living in. Uganda is for us all and we therefore need to speak truth to power and the power should listen and respond to our concerns! No one has monopoly ...

The temperatures have risen towards the election time and this has triggered a number of effects have already been felt. Elections are meant to be received with very much excitement and warm hearts as it is the time for Ugandans to express their power, to audit leaders and pass them over to the next term of office. They should thus be handled with the greatest care and professionalism with dignity. Hardly before even nominations take off, people are fighting, witch-hunting others just because of divergent views over who their favourite candidates are or because of their difference in political parties affiliations. I am at pains that what should be a very peaceful process turns out to be the most violent process! It is the time when Police excesses are witnessed, opposition candidates pounced upon and while the ruling party continues to thrive while opposition is suffocated. To add salt to injury, is that the political leaders suffer less of this violence, it is the so called voters...